“Years ago, I needed a wheelchair,” recalls Betty Gerving of Bismarck, ND. “Fortunately, I was able to borrow one from NDAD’s Minot office. I even used it on my vacation!”

At the time, Minot was the closest NDAD location to Betty. But years later, after ankle surgery, she found herself needing medical equipment again for a short-term recovery.

“I had to be immobile for eight weeks,” Betty explains. “I knew I needed help, but I didn’t want to buy a bunch of equipment I’d only use for a short time.”

Instead of traveling to Minot, Betty contacted the NDAD office in Bismarck.

“Joan at NDAD's Bismarck site was friendly and easy to work with,” Betty says. “She set me up with a wheelchair, shower chair, and toilet seat riser. I used it for 90 days—exactly the time I needed it. NDAD saved me so much money.”

Betty was so impressed with the service that she recommended NDAD to a friend recovering from surgery.

“There are so many services available, and I knew NDAD could help,” she says. “Don’t hesitate to call. This is a free service to help everyone. I’ve had a great experience every time I’ve needed help.”

NDAD in Grand Forks Welcomes Fayme Stringer Henry

Fayme has joined NDAD as the Client Services Representative for the Grand Forks region. Fayme has been employed with nonprofit agencies since 2006 and as a licensed social worker since 2013. She specializes in poverty, homelessness and basic needs crisis assistance. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional with a Master in Public Affairs and is pursuing a Master of Social Work with a Social Change and Leadership focus. Fayme serves on various boards throughout the state including The Arc, Upper Valley, Family Voices ND, and the NDDPI IDEA Advisory Committee. She’s also been involved with GF Housing Authority Board, GF CDBG Citizens Advisory Committee and the Women’s Fund. Fayme is looking forward to providing an opportunity to help clients achieve increased independence and to serve disability-related needs. 

In her free time, Fayme likes to learn, garden, and be with friends and family. She’s also excited to explore what free time looks like as her oldest two children with special needs have recently moved into their own apartment.

NDAD in Fargo welcomes Ashley Lemke

Ashley Lemke recently joined NDAD as the Client Services Program Manager in our Fargo office. She has more than 15 years of experience in education and the human service fields, with the past four years dedicated to supporting local non-profits in Fargo. Ashley is passionate about connecting individuals and families with the resources they need and is excited to help the Fargo office grow and thrive, reaching as many people in the region as possible with NDAD’s services.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband of 15 years and their three children. She loves being outdoors, going to the lake, and playing games with her family.